New York Guardians vs. DC Defenders: Prediction Against The Spread, Odds For XFL Week 2 Game

Week 2 of the 2020 XFL season kicks off with a battle of unbeaten teams. The DC Defenders host the New York Guardians at 2 p.m. EST Saturday.

The Defenders beat the visiting Seattle Dragons 31-19 in the opener, covering a seven-point spread. The Guardians beat the Tampa Bay Vipers 23-3 as home underdogs.

DC was so impressive in Week 1 that the team has been given the best odds to win the XFL Championship. They are 5.5-point favorites, according to William Hill.

Defenders quarterback Cardale Jones posted a league-best 116.7 passer rating in Week 1. He went 16-26 for 235 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Jones also had 28 rushing yards on nine attempts.

Jones hasn’t played much football since leading Ohio State to the 2015 national championship, but he certainly looked like a quarterback that will make DC a title contender.

The Defenders should have an edge at the game’s most important position. Former Oakland Raiders quarterback Matt McGloin was solid in his Guardians debut, though he barely completed 50% of his passes. McGloin went 15-29 for 182 yards, a score and no interceptions.

New York was actually significantly outgained in its victory. The Vipers had 394 total yards of offense compared to the Guardians’ 226 yards. Darius Victor led New York with 32 rushing yards on nine carries.

The Guardians beat the Vipers by keeping them out of the end zone and forcing two turnovers. Austin Duke started the game with a 59-yard kick return, which was good enough to be the best return all weekend.

DC had the biggest special teams play on opening weekend, blocking a punt that was recovered for a touchdown.

More than 17,000 fans filled DC’s Audi Field, which holds 20,000 people, in Week 1. The boisterous crowd was loud throughout the game, potentially giving the Defenders a legitimate home-field advantage.

Tampa Bay moved the ball with more success against New York than the final score indicates. Jones’ ability to use his legs will give the Guardians trouble. If the Defenders can score touchdowns instead of field goals, they will be well on their way to a 2-0 start.

The Defenders have two interceptions, including a pick-six by Bradley Sylve. McGloin might make a mistake or two if he’s forced to make plays from behind for the first time this year.

Offenses were mostly inconsistent in Week 1. That trend could continue for the early part of the season. The betting total in DC is 49.

Running back Jhurell Pressley and wide receiver Eli Rogers give the Defenders two of the best playmakers in Saturday’s game. The DC offense will do enough to pull away from the Guardians in the fourth quarter and cover the spread.

Prediction: DC over New York, 27-19